Question

Each student will be randomly assigned a microbial organism to research (see list below) and prepare at least one-half page of topic-related text detailing the organism genus/species name, biological classification (bacteria, archaea, fungi, protist), and five notable adaptive features or behaviors the organism possesses. Notable features may include physical structures, acquisition of nutrients, means of reproduction, relationships with other organisms. Briefly describe how each feature/behavior enables the organism to survive/thrive in its environment. Type the essay - written in your own words, no bulletpoints or direct quotations.

Topic: Basidiomycota (‘club fungi’) – (ex. stinkhorns – Phallus impudicus)

** Example organisms are shown for some assignments in the list. Feel free to choose something different if you like. You can report on the group for some info, then use a representative organism for the rest, as needed.

Include a MEMORABLE image and caption highlighting at least one of the most notable adaptive features/behaviors described.

A list of at least three cited materials should be included with your submission – in addition to the one-half page, not to be included within (accessible web links are fine here)

If you find a good video of your organism, please include the link to that as well

Answer 1

Each student is randonly assigned a microbial organism to research. My choice of microbial organism to research is Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacteria which is gram positive and facultative in nature. It functions under aerobic conditions.It is highly pathogenic in nature causing a high rate of infection. Its transmission is airborne and passes from one person to another through sneezing and coughing. The shape of the bacteria is spherical.Streptococcus pneumoniae falls under the family of Streptococcaceae.Five notable adaptive features and behaviour possessed by the bacteria are described. This particular bacteria is responsible to causing diseases such as meningitis and pneumonia. Before any vaccines came into picture, penicillin was used as a potent drug to treat the diseases. However, as time passed the bacteria developed resistance agaisnt drugs. Ths antimicrobial resistance was first observed in US. Even after vaccination, strains of Streptococci were observed, they are called replacement strains. Example of such strains are 19A and 35B. These strains mimic the behaviour of the original strain and occupy the ecological niche. In such manner it makes way in the environment. Research proves that the strain 35B is highly invasive and is a nonvaccine serotype causing multi drug resistance.